"Here's what I want to say to you: Racism is so deeply embedded in this country not because of the racist right-wing radicals who practice it openly, it exists because of the silence and hurt feelings of liberal America.
That's what I want to say, but really, I can't. I can't say that because I've spent my life not talking about race to White people. In a big way, it's my fault. Racism exists because I, as a Black person, don't challenge you to look at it.
Racism exists because I, not you, am silent."
Michelle used this quote to both thank participants for engaging in a conversation about privilege and race and to remind participants that progress will never be made without the willingness to talk, listen, and learn from those with different perspectives.
The conversation predicated on the what it means, in lived experience, to have white privilege and to lack white privilege. Participants shared stories, discussed factors of structural racism that influence individuals, and even addressed political campaigns in which issues of racial justice are not openly discussed.
One participant expressed that there is a "toxic" nature of white supremacy in the United States, and that even though as a white person he was raised to treat others equally and to engage in movements for racial justice, he still experiences and witnesses moments of bias. The participant continued and explained that this "toxic" nature seeps into every institution in the United States- education, the media, law, and policing.
Participants also worked to distinguish between overt and explicit acts of racism, like the Ku Klux Klan and the Confederate Flag, and less-obvious, but still profound institutional acts of racism, like red lining, mass incarceration, and education inequities. Focused was paid to fighting not just explicit racism, but institutional and systemic racism.
The conversation concluded with a discussion on the notion of progress. Participants reflected on whether progress has been made in the last fifty years or if the United States has regressed in terms of justice and equality. The questions was posed-has progressed been made? What can we do to contribute?
Michelle finished the conversation with a call to action and quote from Bayard Rustin, Civil Rights and gay rights activist: “The proof that one truly believes is in action.”
Michelle finished the conversation with a call to action and quote from Bayard Rustin, Civil Rights and gay rights activist: “The proof that one truly believes is in action.”
What does white privilege mean to you? Have you heard the term before? Where? Have you read Metta's I, Racist? What are your thoughts?
Join us for the next Stowe Salon at Lunch on the topic of race in popular culture. Wednesdays at 12:00 pm in the Stowe Visitor Center!
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